Childhood Obesity-An Alarming Issue Of Modern Civilization

The urgency in fighting childhood obesity is a burning issue now- a- days because it is dramatically increasing day by day. Children become overweight and obese for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these factors. Only in rare cases is being overweight caused by a medical condition such as a hormonal problem. A physical exam and some blood tests can rule out the possibility of a medical condition as the cause for obesity.

Although weight problems run in families, not all children with a family history of obesity will be overweight. Children whose parents or brothers or sisters are overweight may be at an increased risk of becoming overweight themselves, but this can be linked to shared family behaviors such as eating and activity habits.

A child's total diet and activity level play an important role in determining a child's weight. Today, many children spend a lot time being inactive. For example, the average child spends approximately four hours each day watching television. As computers and video games become increasingly popular, the number of hours of inactivity may increase.

Problems of youthful obesity go beyond physical ones. Obese adolescents have higher rates of depression, which in itself may foster poor eating and exercise patterns that add to their weight problem and result in a poor quality of life that persists into adulthood.

The best person to determine whether or not your child is overweight is your child's doctor. We can measure your child’s weight and height and compute his ''BMI,'' or body mass index, to compare this value to standard values. We also consider your child's age and growth patterns.

There are many ways to involve the entire family in healthy habits, but increasing the family's physical activity is especially important. Lead by example, if your children see that you are physically active and having fun, they are more likely to be active and stay active for the rest of their lives.Change their behavior to modify to control appetite and avoid consumption of junk food. Take more vegetables, fishes and fruits in your dish rather than carbohydrate and fatty items.Plan family activities that provide everyone with exercise, like walking, biking, or swimming.

Be sensitive to your child's needs. Overweight children may feel uncomfortable about participating in certain activities. It is important to help your child find physical activities that they enjoy and that aren't embarrassing or too difficult.

Make an effort to reduce the amount of time you and your family spend in sedentary activities, such as watching TV or playing video games.

Whatever necessary steps parents choose to take to alleviate their anxiety regarding an overweight child, the purpose is not to make physical activity and a healthy diet but to make the most of the opportunities you and your family have to be active and healthy.Stay blessed.

Writer: Dr.HabiburRahman

Child Health and Nutrition Specialist.

Asst.Professor,IHT.